About the Museum
Comprehensive museum in state capital interpreting 12,000 years of human history. Collections cover Native Wabanaki cultures, shipbuilding, granite quarrying, and industrial water power.
The Maine State Museum, located in the state capital of Augusta, is one of the nation's oldest state museums. Its mission is to share what is meaningful about Maine and its place in the world, inspiring people to discover the state's past, understand its present, and imagine its future. The museum is housed in the Cultural Building, a structure it shares with the State Archives and the State Library.
What to See
The museum tells Maine's complete story across four floors of exhibits, with collections spanning roughly 12,000 years of natural and cultural history. Highlights include:
- Natural history — from Ice Age mastodons to the geology and wildlife of the Pine Tree State.
- Native heritage — artifacts and stories of Maine's Native Wabanaki cultures.
- Maritime history — Maine's deep tradition of shipbuilding and seafaring.
- Industry — exhibits on granite quarrying, working mills, and industrial water power.
Planning Your Visit
The Maine State Museum is located in Augusta, Maine. Please note that, according to the museum, the Cultural Building has been undergoing a major renovation, and the museum has announced that it will reopen to the public for the first phase of its Grand Reopening on October 24, 2026. In the meantime, the museum has offered guided tours of the Blaine House, self-guided tours of the State House, virtual programs, and online collections. Because the schedule is changing, confirm the current status before visiting at the official website, mainestatemuseum.org.
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